Policy Advocacy in the News

On December 21, Congress passed a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government operating through January 19th that includes “patch” funding for community health centers ($550M), the National Health Service Corps ($65M), and Teaching Health Centers ($15M). While it’s not the long-term solution we have been advocating for, this funding will ensure that those health centers with grant periods starting in January, February and March will receive funding through March. The bill also includes short-term funding for CHIP ($2.5B), but unfortunately cuts funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund by a total of $750M over two years.

Although it is not an ideal situation, the fact that Congress included funding for FQHCs in the CR is a testament to the power of your advocacy and the value of the services you provide every day to your patients and communities. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to high-quality primary care and to your incredible advocacy on behalf of health centers in a time of uncertainty. There is much work to be done in the weeks and months ahead – please stay tuned for further updates and be prepared to respond!